Gasgoo Munich- Oct. 21 that at the 2026 World Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference, Geely Holding Chairman Li Shufu noted that many speakers shared similar sentiments. To save time, he focused his remarks on Geely's battery-swap partnership with NIO.
Li highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership signed with NIO in September, which aims to open up battery-swap networks, unify standards, and coordinate resources—giving drivers more options. In his view, separate systems would lead to redundant infrastructure, an investment the industry can ill afford.
Image source: 2026 World Intelligent Connected Vehicle Conference
That collaborative logic extends to vehicle manufacturing. As Geely expands its global footprint, it prioritizes partnerships to revitalize existing capacity rather than breaking ground on new factories. Building production lines from scratch carries heavy asset costs and risks; rolling development based on existing capacity is a safer bet.
Li further argued that the intelligent technology sector should also advocate for industry collaboration to cut redundant spending and support sustainable, high-level development. He believes that small, weak players will eventually fade, and only a "large and strong" combined force can effectively lead the industry forward.
He called on industry players to strengthen open cooperation, applying this collaborative approach to charging, capacity, and smart technology to build a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
